Overview
- The draw takes place in Zurich and will be streamed on BBC iPlayer and FIFA+, with coverage also on RTÉ platforms.
- UEFA’s 16-team playoff creates four single-leg paths, with Pot 1 hosting Pot 4 and Pot 2 hosting Pot 3 in semifinals before single-match finals.
- UEFA pots are: Pot 1 — Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine; Pot 2 — Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia; Pot 3 — Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo; Pot 4 — Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland.
- The intercontinental playoff features Bolivia, New Caledonia, DR Congo, Iraq, Suriname and Jamaica, with all single-leg semifinals and finals expected in Mexico at Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) and Estadio BBVA (Monterrey).
- Playoff semifinals are set for March 26, 2026, with finals on March 31, and the World Cup group draw follows on December 5.